Governing Body

The Governing Body is responsible for the strategic direction of the school. It is the role of the governors to appoint the headteacher and as such there is always one or two governors that have been trained in recruitment. Governors may also form part of a recruitment panel for other members of staff in the school, especially those in leadership.

The governing body is responsible for making sure the school’s money is well spent, whether it be for resources in line with strategic priorities or ensuring that assets are used efficiently in accordance with financial resources.

Governors discuss and approve relevant school policy documents and also ensure that the school provides the highest standard of education for every child.

Our governing body is made up of elected parents, staff, the head teacher, local authority appointees and local community representatives.   We have a full meeting at least twice a term and committees that meet regularly throughout the year.  Governors are elected when there are vacancies.  We take part in training and meetings arranged by Lewisham Council. We have to read and understand many complex documents, take notes and prepare reports, make visits to the school and meet the school inspectors.  Like all school governors, we are unpaid volunteers who give a lot of time and energy to our duties. We try to represent the views of all those with an interest in the school, and we are always willing to consider your suggestions for improving the school.

Can I become a school governor?

Yes, anybody over 18 who has a child of school age. All applicants are subject to checks to ensure the safety and protection of the young people in our school.

How much time does it take?

Meetings are held once every term at the end of the school day and usually last an hour and a half. However, this may vary depending on the amount of committee work that you choose to do. Governors act as a team and support each other by taking on additional roles in order to be as effective as possible.

How do I find out more?

Parents may apply to be a governor and these vacancies will be advertised.  Please contact the school office who will be able to provide you with more information.

The Stillness Schools Federation Instrument of Government

Current Governors

Gloria Lowe: LA Governor/Chair of Governors

I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of Governors of the Stillness Schools Federation. I have previously been Headteacher of two schools, Northolt High School in Ealing and Sydenham School in Lewisham.

I have also held senior roles in governance and understand the impact that strong strategic leadership can have on school communities. I am deeply committed to inclusive practice in education and will ensure that the Stillness Schools Federation Governing Body focuses relentlessly on driving school improvement and securing the highest standards for all in the Federation.

The ambition for both schools in our shared community is to ensure that every child is supported to thrive, be happy and achieve success, regardless of their individual starting points or backgrounds. I have lived happily in Lewisham for many years and will be able to use my deep knowledge of the borough and the many connections that I have made to achieve the outcomes that we are determined to secure.

Tatyana Popova: Co-opted Governor – Co Vice Chair of the Governing Body – Finance Committee

I’ve lived in South-East London for the past 15 years and am proud to raise my two primary school-aged children here. As a parent, I care deeply about the quality of education and the wellbeing of children in our community. Professionally, I work in finance and bring with me a strong leadership skillset, which I’ve found incredibly valuable in my role as a school governor. I previously served as Chair of Governors at Stillness Infants School, and I’m currently Chair of Trustees at a family-focused charity. Both roles have deepened my understanding of how schools and communities can work together to support children to thrive. I believe in creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. Being part of a governing body is a real privilege, and I’m committed to helping both schools achieve their goals while always keeping children at the heart of every decision.

Eli Tabiri: Co-opted Governor – Co Vice Chair of the Governing Body – Teaching and Learning Committee

I bring over ten years of experience working in a variety of schools, including independent, special, secondary and primary settings. This has given me a broad perspective on how different schools operate and, most importantly, how children can be supported to flourish.

I have also worked as a School Business Manager for more than four years, which has strengthened my skills in finance, organisation and strategic planning. In addition, I have previously chaired a committee on another governing board, where I gained valuable experience of how governors can work together with school leaders to make a positive difference. I have a strong interest in education and in the wellbeing and development of young people. I am proud to be part of the governing team and committed to helping ensure our schools offer the very best opportunities for every child.

Mitzi Nichol: Headteacher Stillness Juniors

I have been part of the Stillness Juniors community for 34 years and know the school and its families well. I am passionate about ensuring every child has an equal chance to thrive, and I am committed to helping them leave us confident and ready for the next stage of their school journey.

Wellbeing is something I value highly, both for pupils and staff. My strengths lie in mentoring colleagues and providing strong leadership, and I take pride in supporting others to grow and succeed.

During my time at Stillness Juniors, I have contributed to successful Ofsted outcomes and helped maintain excellent KS2 results that now sit above national expectations. It has been a privilege to serve this community for so many years and to continue to play a part in its ongoing success as a key member of the Stillness Schools Federation Governing Body.

Annie Grimes: Headteacher Stillness Infants

I have had the privilege of being Headteacher at Stillness Infants for 9 years. Prior to a career in education, I developed our family business, having achieved a BA hons in Business Management; this has helped me transfer skills and knowledge into my Headship role. I have always lived and worked in Lewisham borough and am passionate about supporting our diverse community. My vision is to get children ‘off to a flying start’. Working with the Governing Body of The Stillness Schools Federation, I want all our children to experience a rich, varied, and exciting curriculum that will enable them to thrive in an ever-changing world. I want our schools to be a place where children are happy and safe, developing resilience, determination and independence in all they do, whilst demonstrating respect and consideration towards our community. With all stakeholders working collaboratively, we can achieve this goal for all children.

Josie Murphy-Harding: Co-opted Governor – Teaching and Learning Committee

I am a secondary school teacher, leadership practitioner, and parent of a child Year One, with another soon to join. In my professional role, I lead on teaching and learning strategy, deliver whole-staff development on the science of learning, and have written and implemented a school-wide behaviour policy. This experience equips me with strong skills in curriculum development, staff training, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments where all children can thrive. I combine professional expertise with a deep commitment to the school community. I can provide informed oversight, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure the school delivers high-quality outcomes while promoting the wellbeing of every pupil.

Emily Mackenzie: Co-opted Governor – Teaching and Learning Committee

I’ve been a primary school governor for over 15 years, serving in both Southwark and Lewisham, and joined the Junior school’s Governing Body in 2015. I’ve chaired the Junior School GB for the past few years and am pleased now to be part of the newly federated Governing Body.  Over the years, I’ve supported schools through changes in government policy, funding, curriculum, and Ofsted frameworks, as well as the challenges of the pandemic. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and supporting leadership teams to deliver inclusive, high-quality education.  As a parent, I’ve seen the lasting impact of a strong school community; all three of my children attended the Junior school, and my youngest also went to the Infants. We’ve made lifelong friends here, and I’m proud to give back to a place that’s meant so much to our family.

Will Murphey: Co-opted Governor – Finance Committee

I am an ex English teacher at Prendergast Ladywell Fields school. I left the classroom for the civil service, by way of two years studying economics in California. In government, I’ve worked at the Department for Education leading a review of Special Education Needs policy, and now work at HM Treasury on tax and fiscal policy. I am also a parent of two boys, one in year one! As governor, I want to support the two schools’ leadership teams in maintaining excellent standards, including: smooth transitions on entry to reception and from Infant to Junior school and a well-rounded, joined up curriculum.

Jamie Robertson: Co-opted Governor – Teaching and Learning Committee

I am a parent to two girls in Stillness Junior School and served as a class rep for 3 years. For the past two years I have served as a co-opted governor of the Governing Body at Stillness Junior’s and have a vested interest in doing all I can as a parent, and supporter of Stillness Leadership to assist with this new transition into a joint governing board for both schools. I am honoured to carry forth my knowledge and experience into this joint governing board along with my background as an experienced writer, attorney and mediator.

Ben Chambers: Parent Governor – Finance Committee

I am a primary school teacher working in Lewisham as well as a trained safeguarding professional. Previously I worked as a journalist and editor focusing on renewable technology and finance. I have one daughter in Year 4 at Stillness another in Year 8 at Prendergast School.

Sophie Roberts: Parent Governor – SEND Link Governor and Finance Committee

I’m Sophie and have two children at Stillness Infants. I’m an employment lawyer which involves advising on all sorts of people related issues within the workplace. I’m hoping that the skills I need for my day job (pragmatism, analytical skills and empathy) will help me to fulfil the role as a parent governor.  As a parent, I’m mindful of the pressures placed on both parents, children and the school and care deeply about ensuring that all children have access to the best education possible. As part of the new federated governing body, I am committed to listening, advocating and collaborating with parents, children, teachers and the other governors across both schools to ensure both schools thrive. I want to help and ensure that as we bring the schools together, we create a nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils, staff, and families alike.

Louise Threadgold: Staff Governor and Teaching and Learning Committee

As an experienced teacher, with 23 years’ experience, I offer the governing body a deep understanding of curriculum development, pedagogical best practice and knowledge of the intricacies of the school structure. I bring a wealth of diverse skills and experiences having worked in a variety of schools: state schools, private schools and an international school in New York.   My teaching and learning background will allow me to provide evidenced based input to strategic decisions, I will be equipped with strong analytical skills and I am adept at asking the constructive, probing questions necessary to hold school leadership to account in a supportive manner, using my professional knowledge to drive continuous improvement.

Those who meet me, always state that my passion for this job is tangible and I am dedicated to using my unwavering commitment and perspective to help the governing body best serve the school community and achieve the highest possible standards for every pupil.

Angelica Maria Escobar Giraldo: Staff Governor and Finance Committee

My current role at Stillness Infant School is as Administrative Officer. I am the first point of contact for our families, visitors and staff, and lead on school attendance and admissions. I organise all our wrap around services including all the activity clubs we offer our families every term. I was motivated to become a governor because I want to contribute to the ongoing success of the schools, ensuring all children get the best education possible. I bring my unique perspective based on my own experience and many different roles I have held in Stillness Infants since 2005. I am passionate about doing what is right for our pupils, their families and our staff. With the many challenges present in our society nowadays I believe it is important to focus on supporting wellbeing whilst encouraging an engaging and thriving environment for our pupils.

Rebecca Kelly: Associate Governor

As an Associate Governing Member and Deputy Head at Stillness Infant School, I’m proud to play an active role in supporting the school’s leadership, culture, and strategic development. My role lets me connect the work of governance with the day-to-day life of the school. I contribute to discussions about the curriculum, safeguarding, and wellbeing, and I enjoy sharing my experience of teaching and learning to help shape what we do.

As Deputy Head, I lead by example and work hard to create a caring environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to do their very best. Having this dual role means I can make a positive difference both in the classroom and at a strategic level, helping our school to continue to grow and flourish.

Zoe Renner-Thomas: Associate Governor

I have been a teacher for 12 years working predominantly in KS2. I have a wealth of experience of dealing with additional needs and behavioural issues. I have been subject lead in English, Computing and PSHE and have introduced numerous new teaching schemes over the three schools I have worked in. I have led on the Pupil Premium Strategy for the past 10 years over two different schools with very different demographics. I successfully completed my NPQSL in 2021 and am in the process of completing my NPQH. Prior to becoming a teacher, I had a successful career in STEM publishing working for the Institution of Civil Engineers and then later the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. When my son was younger, I was also self-employed for some time working as a publishing project manager.

Anthony Doudle: Associate Governor

I have over 30 years’ experience in education.  I trained as a teacher and taught in a range of primary schools in Australia and the UK. I have been a successful Head Teacher of a small Church of England School in Hackney which saw the school make significant improvements during my headship. Since 2003, I have held a variety of local authority roles in Hackney, Islington and for the past three years as Head of Lewisham Learning, supporting schools to improve the quality of education, teacher training and development and supporting school leaders at all levels.  Since 2018 I have been Chair of Governors at Brunswick Park Primary School, which saw the school improve from Requiring Improvement to securely good with outstanding features in Personal Development and Behaviour.  I am committed to improving the educational provision and reducing educational inequalities for the most vulnerable.

Full Governing Body Minutes are available for inspection on request at the school office.